Metro Skywarn Backgrounder
MINNEAPOLIS, MN --
Skywarn has existed in various forms in the Twin Cities Metro Area for approximately 30 years. This
volunteer organization provides the National Weather Service (NWS) with eyewitness reports of severe weather
necessary to supply "ground truth" to NWS weather radar. Trained observers using reliable and quick methods
of communication (amateur radio, for example) relay information to the NWS. NWS uses this information to
supplement weather announcement decisions.
NWS radar equipment is designed to monitor weather patterns. However, even NEXRAD radar is not sensitive
enough to determine the existence of an actual tornado or other kinds of relatively lowaltitude severe
weather. NEXRAD can only see where severe weather is likely to occur. Further, the farther one gets from
Chanhassen, the greater the need for low-altitude observation. Trained Skywarn observer reports, along with
reports from the public, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel verify actual severe weather.
The NWS is most interested in receiving severe weather reports from trained sources. The kinds of reports
sought by the NWS can include hail, wind, damage, flash flooding, wall clouds (the area of a thunderstorm
where tornadoes can form), funnel clouds and tornadoes. Establishing the existence of a rotating wall cloud
or funnel cloud can provide the NWS with verification of dangerous conditions in the storm that are
indicated, but not seen by radar. Reports on the size of hail stones provide the NWS with a relative
indicator of the intensity of a thunderstorm.
Because conditions in and near a thunderstorm are chaotic and confusing, many cloud formations are
erroneously reported as indicators of more severe weather. Trained spotters are needed to confirm these
reports, as well as properly identify severe weather. This helps to reduce the number of unnecessary
warnings issued by the NWS and can increase warning time.
An effective weather warning system combined with public education has perhaps been the largest factor in
reducing loss of life due to severe weather. The Skywarn spotters and the Skywarn training programs figure
prominently in both warning systems and education efforts about severe weather and its effects.
Trained Skywarn observers provide the NWS with accurate and timely reports using controlled networks on
Amateur Radio, public safety, citizen's band radio, and other forms of communication. If the NWS confirms
severe weather with registered Skywarn spotter reports, it is confident about the accuracy of the report.
NWS meteorologists may then quickly notify local authorities, which activate civil defense sirens. The news
media also receive notification so they can make reports on local broadcast stations.
Metro Skywarn today is a consortium of Amateur Radio, emergency management organizations and other
individuals. Skywarn's mission is to provide trained Amateur Radio operators capable of making accurate
reports of severe weather to the NWS. Metro Skywarn serves 9 counties in the metro area and works with other
Skywarn organizations surrounding the region. Organizations involved include the Bloomington Police
Department, Ramsey County Emergency Services, the National Weather Service, Bloomington Communications Twin
City FM Club, Carver County Radio Club, Anoka County Radio Club and Emergency Services, and Wright County
West Metro Skywarn.
Volunteers are certified by Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management to train the nearly 800
licensed Amateur Radio operators as well as other Skywarn spotters every two years. Metro Skywarn also
trains metro law enforcement and other emergency personnel with post accreditation in severe weather
spotting. Metro Skywarn is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of Skywarn spotters,
emergency management personnel, and others.
Contact:
Nick Elms, Media Liaison
hookecho33@yahoo.com
or please visit www.metroskywarn.org
